Picture taken off of the internet.... BECAUSE the Shaman have left the villages where the Christian Churches are that we help!!

Huichol Religion

KUELKER MISSIONS

The Huichol practice Animism(belief that non-human objects have spirits) as their core religion.

Religion is not a part of life...IT IS LIFE.

The Huichol have maintained much of their old beliefs mixed with Catholicism over the years. The Huichol have over 250 different Gods such as Tayau(Sun), Tatewari (fire), Aramara (rain), Kauyumari (deer), Nakawe (growth), and Tatei Urianaka (earth).Peyote is also an important part of the Huichol religion, a small dose inhibits hunger, thirst and fatigue while a large dose produce hallucinations and affords a means of communication with their gods. They would also use this to guide them on their pilgrimage to Wirikuta (their scared land) now known as the Island of Mextitalitan. The Shaman (witch doctors) are often sought for remedies and for dealing with medical needs. They believe that sickness is sent by a deity that they have offended or by a witch. Huichol believe that when a person dies, his soul embarks on a five year journey through the underworld. After the journey, the soul returns to earth and is captured by a shaman in the form of a rock crystal. The crystal is placed in the family shrine to be anointed with blood and offered food.

As of 1999 there are 2.90% professing the Christian faith among the Huichol, while there are still some 93% still practicing their Huichol Religion.